COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is designed for general practitioners who wish to build on the knowledge gained from the Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology. There will be a greater focus on difficult and complex cases in general dermatology. The importance of accurate screening and the rules to avoid missing melanoma are also essential learning. Submission and analysis of medical practitioners’ own cases are a key feature of this course.

This course is the final part of the three-part Professional Diploma of General Dermatology. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

Professional Certificate of General Dermatology Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology Professional Diploma of
General Dermatology
CAPTIONS STANDARD General Dermatology DTL promo video w Richard Usatine

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

The Professional Diploma of General Dermatology is designed for medical professionals who wish to build upon their dermatological knowledge to accurately screen all patients with skin concerns in primary care. Participants can expect to develop the most advanced clinical skillset and critical awareness of dermatology principles and treatment options, with a greater focus on difficult and complex cases. The course is suitable for general practitioners, International Medical Graduates, and degree-qualified nurses and dermal therapists who work under the supervision of a general practitioner. Participants must have completed the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also highly recommends successful completion of at least 50 cases of general dermatology prior to enrolment. 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Professionally accredited qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course. Please send an email to credit@healthcert.com for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience. This email should contain information about your educational history and work experience that specifically pertain to the content and procedures covered in the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology and Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology. Please include any applicable certificates and course outlines from previous education. The relevant Course Chair will make a determination on your application within two to three weeks.

COURSE CONTENTS

The course offers richly illustrated clinical examples and opportunities for interactive discussions on the cases provided and covers various dermatology conditions.

The theory sessions cover:

  • Bites (animals, snakes and insects)
  • Skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care
  • Pregnancy dermatoses
  • Oral mucosal diseases
  • Urticaria and drug eruptions
  • Nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis
  • Sexually transmitted infections and HIV
  • Vulvar skin diseases

Course participants will:

  • Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
  • Participate in discussions of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
  • Receive a comprehensive course folder and research/readings in the field.
  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
  • Receive unlimited and ongoing access to free alumni learning resources, video lectures, and discussion forums, as well as invite-only events and special offers after completion of the course.
  • Receive ongoing post-course support through webinars and case reviews.
  • Have the opportunity to participate in optional clinical attachments at dedicated dermatology facilities.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Bites: animals, snakes and insects - Caterina Longo

In this module you will learn to recognise venomous and non-venomous bites and stings, and manage allergic reactions. You will learn to identify the causes of common bites, how to recognise the creature causing the bites and the recommended treatment for these conditions.

Module 2: Skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care - Daniel Stulberg

In this module you will learn to manage pressure injuries, recognise skin ulcers, identify high risk patients, and manage would care. You will learn to develop a patient-centred, multidisciplinary team approach for pressure, diabetic or venous ulcers.

Module 3: Pregnancy dermatoses - Christopher Ross

In this module you will learn to recognise physiologic changes and conditions that can occur during pregnancy. You will learn to identify different conditions that exist or develop over the course of a pregnancy and how to manage these presentations.

Module 4: Oral mucosal diseases - Richard Usatine

In this module you will learn to recognise conditions of the tongue, oral mucosa and lips. You will learn to identify and develop management systems for oral ulcers, lichen planus, pemphigus vularis, leukplakia, cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Module 5: Urticaria and drug eruptions - Daniel Stulberg

In this module you will learn to identify drug eruptions and distinguish between erythema multiforme, Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. You will learn how to manage treatment of chronic urticaria.

Module 6: Nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis - Christopher Ross

In this module you will learn about malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and the effects of these on the human body. You will learn how to identify patients with obesity dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis and how to manage these conditions.

Module 7: Sexually transmitted infections and HIV - Richard Usatine

In this module you will learn how to identify and diagnose the different cutaneous manifestations of STIs and HIV. You will learn how to develop a treatment strategy to manage these conditions.

Module 8: Vulvar skin diseases - Caterina Longo

In this module you will learn how to identify pigmented lesions and inflammatory skin diseases related to the vulva. You will learn to diagnose difficult lesions and how to recognise and manage conditions such as melanosis and seborrheic keratosis.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

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Prof Richard P. Usatine

MD PhD

Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA

Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA

Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.

Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

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A/Prof Caterina Longo

MD PhD

Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

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Dr Christopher Ross

BMBS, BSc(BiomedSc)(Hons), FACD – Dermatologist

Dr Christopher Ross is a graduate of Flinders Medical Centre and trained in dermatology in South Australia with experience in all major dermatology specialist units. He commenced work with Darwin Dermatology in Tiwi in February 2017.

Christopher visits multiple rural locations in South Australia in addition to Western Hospital, Henley Beach for private clinics. He also holds visiting dermatology specialist positions at Flinders Medical Centre and Repatriation General Hospital in South Australia.

Christopher’s interests include general dermatology (eczema, acne, psoriasis and inflammatory dermatology), as well as drug eruptions, infections, paediatric dermatology, hair and nail disorders, and skin cancer medicine.

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Dr Daniel Stulberg

MD, FAAFP

Dr Daniel Stulberg is a Professor and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of New Mexico, USA. After completing the Inteflex program and residency at the University of Michigan in 1990, he worked for eight years in rural Arizona before moving into full time teaching. Daniel has published multiple articles and presents at national conferences regarding skin care and treatment. He has a dual appointment in family medicine and dermatology with an emphasis on skin care and procedural family medicine.

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COURSE FEES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

UPFRONT PAYMENT

Single course

$1,795

Two-Course Bundle*

$3,410

Three-Course Bundle*

$4,840
*Special rates for upfront registrations for multiple courses within the same pathway.
DEFERRED PAYMENT

Single course 

$320 x 6 

Two-Course Bundle

$303 x 12

Three-Course Bundle

$323 x 16 
 Defer your payments over several months.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

GP REGISTRARS: Doctors in training who are on a recognised pathway to General Practice Registration through a recognised training provider receive a HealthCert Scholarship and save $500 on face-to-face certificate courses and $300 on online and hybrid certificate courses. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with the Early Bird special.

COURSE DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT

This Professional Diploma of General Dermatology is delivered online in eight modules. We offer a ‘start anytime online’ course structure, which gives flexible start and completion times for studies, as well as exam extensions, to fit in with busy schedules. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience. The two webinars scheduled half way through the course and prior to the exam period, offer the opportunity to join, ask questions and interact with the presenters online in real-time but can also be viewed later. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within nine months from the start of the course. With no travel, accommodation or out-of-office expenses incurred, participants can build critical skills and tailor their career while working in a busy practice or raising a family.

The course is delivered over 15 weeks with 12 weeks of teaching followed by three weeks for revision and final examinations. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions and decision-making. There is a final webinar where participant questions are answered prior to the examinations.

A clinical audit is a feature of this professional diploma. The audit will guide you to reflect on your patient management prior to and after increasing your knowledge and clinical management of patients with general dermatology conditions. You will need to submit your own patient cases as part of the audit. The clinical audit is separately accredited.

The course includes: 

  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • Access to additional learning resources, reference materials and video lectures.
  • Reading list with references to peer-reviewed journal articles to keep up-to-date with developments in the field.
  • 12 month web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations.

  • Develop a report/explanation of how the learning from this course will help you with your professional development.
  • Complete a literature review of three articles nominated by the course chair.
  • Complete a clinical audit (separately accredited) to demonstrate application of learning.

Online assessment

  • 120 knowledge multiple choice questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
  • 120 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic
    • Example: A patient arrives at your clinic with this problem … What should you do?  Multiple choice images based on patient cases.

The pass mark for each exam is 80 per cent. It is therefore not possible to pass this course on knowledge alone. Knowledge must be successfully applied to patient cases in order to pass the course.

HealthCert recommends completion of all requirements at your convenience within nine months of the commencement of the course.

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

Professional Diploma of General Dermatology

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of General Dermatology certificate and below points. To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

RACGP - CPD Accredited Activity: 40 CPD Program points
ACRRM - PDP units: 42 Educational activity, 16 Performance review

 

This professional diploma certificate:

  • Provides CPD points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
  • Provides PRPD points from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses
    endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD points must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Category 1 points are reported as certified and Category 2 points are reported as non-certified. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
  • Provides credit for Postgraduate Diploma in General Dermatology which is studied online at the Rila Institute of Health Sciences which in turn provides credit for a Master of Science in Dermatology awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).
  • Has been independently developed with subject specialists and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

Postgraduate Pathway

This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study.

Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute/Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.

The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, medical professionals can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

 

Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

Upon completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, participants can complete a Dermatology Clinical Attachment to increase the safety and accuracy of their work. Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are currently available at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler. 

Course graduates may also join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).
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